Pilot Study of the IL-1 Antagonist Anakinra for the Treatment of Endometriosis Related Symptoms

All current FDA approved medications to treat endometriosis pain including danazol, GnRH agonists (Lupron, Zoladex and Synarel), GnRH antagonist (elagolix) and depo-provera prevent or contradict pregnancy. Therefore women suffering from endometriosis and trying to conceive have no medical options apart from pain meds. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine whether the anti-inflammatory, IL-1 inhibitor (anakinra) reduces pelvic pain due to endometriosis without altering menstrual cycles, which is an indicator of ovulatory function. Anakinra is an FDA approved injectable medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that is pregnancy category B.